Nika's Performances and Playing Time

[Topdawg]

The Uconn style of play requires players to contribute from all positions. When that does not happen, the team looks sluggish and tentative. Nika shows tenacity on the defensive end. Often, her aggression is not controlled and she fouls and turns the ball over. She does not look for shots often enough so when she is on the floor, the other team can sag and put more people on the scorers (e.g., Paige). Uconn cannot afford to have players be on the floor for 15 minutes and not score 8 - 10 points. When Nika starts scoring, she will play more.

We had the same issue with the forwards in the Baylor game. Good defense but not enough scoring. When more players start scoring, the court will open up and the opportunities to score will go up.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[TeamFirst!]

Except for maybe the South Carolina game I think many of the referee cals have been a little chippy. Especially the traveling calls.

 

[IChoops]

But, like Nika's 3-point shooting percentage last year, it is a strong indication that both Nika's and Caroline's current problems are with butterflies in their stomach(s) when they get on the court for very limited minutes.

I understand Geno's dilemma: he can't afford to play them for a lot of minutes unless they are more productive than they have shown in the limited minutes he has given them. Last year, Nika got larger minutes when injuries forced other starters to play less. The same thing is happening now with Azzi's and Aubrey's injuries. I expect that Nika and Caroline will get gradually increased minutes, and (very gradually) they will get over the butterflies and perform at the level that their skills permit.

It could also be that they're still adjusting to the new 3 point line

 

[hoophuskee]

Nika needs to shoot pretty good from 3 like she did last year after she got her feet wet and before her late season injuries. She shot 37.3% from 3; that's equivalent to 55.95%. If she isn't hitting, and especially if she is passing up shots, it's hard to play her.